Amazing Cyprus
Sun-soaked stretches of white sand and striking blue seas await on holidays in Cyprus. From soaring mountains to Greek mythology and delectable cuisine, welcome to a Mediterranean paradise.
Intriguing myths and legends surround ancient treasures scattered across the landscapes of Cyprus. The coastline is dotted with crystalline bays and the interior boasts towering mountains, flowering meadows and lush forests. While you’re exploring, follow your nose to scrumptious feasts served with warm Cypriot hospitality.
Hike in the Troodos Mountains, cycle through quaint villages and raft white water rapids in Cyprus. Water sports deliver heart-pumping thrills and scuba diving highlights caves, shipwrecks and abundant marine life. The Mediterranean climate ensures beach weather that stretches from May to October. If you visit in the cooler months, look forward to colourful landscapes for hiking and sightseeing.
Cyprus, officially the Republic of Cyprus, is an island country located south of the Anatolian Peninsula in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It is geographically in Western Asia, but its cultural ties and geopolitics are overwhelmingly Southeastern European. Cyprus is the third-largest and third-most populous island in the Mediterranean. It is located north of Egypt, east of Greece, south of Turkey, and west of Lebanon and Syria. Its capital and largest city is Nicosia. The northeast portion of the island is de facto governed by the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
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NICOSIA
Nicosia is the largest city, capital, and seat of government of Cyprus. It is located near the centre of the Mesaoria plain, on the banks of the River Pedieos.
According to Greek mythology, Nicosia (Lefkosia in Greek) was a siren, one of the daughters of Acheloos and Melpomene and its name translates as “White State” or city of White Gods.
Nicosia is the southeasternmost of all EU member states‘ capitals. It has been continuously inhabited for over 4,500 years and has been the capital of Cyprus since the 10th century. The Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities of Nicosia segregated into the south and north of the city respectively in early 1964, following the fighting of the Cyprus crisis of 1963–64 that broke out in the city. This separation became a militarised border while south Nicosia being the capital of the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus and northern Nicosia being the capital of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Apart from its legislative and administrative functions, Nicosia has established itself as the island’s financial capital and its main international business centre. In 2018, Nicosia was the 32nd richest city in the world in relative purchasing power.
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AYIA NAPA
Ayia Napa, is a tourist resort at the far eastern end of the southern coast of Cyprus.
Ayia Napa is one of the most popular areas to visit in Cyprus, especially for young Europeans looking to party in the Mediterranean. However, this area isn’t only good for drinking and dancing the night away. Many more things to do in Ayia Napa don’t revolve around partying into the early hours.
The whole area on the island’s eastern side has some of the best beaches in Cyprus, crystal clear water, unique historical sites, and some of the best weather in all of Europe.
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LARNACA
Larnaca is a city on the south east coast of Cyprus and the capital of the district of the same name. It is the third-largest city in the country, after Nicosia and Limassol, with a metro population of 144,200 in 2015.
Larnaca is known for its palm-tree seafront also called Finikoudes) as well as the Church of Saint Lazarus, Hala Sultan Tekke, Kamares Aqueduct, and Larnaca Castle. It is built on the ruins of ancient Citium, which was the birthplace of Stoic philosopher Zeno. Larnaca is home to the country’s primary airport, Larnaca International Airport. It also has a seaport and a marina
There are so many amazing things to do in Larnaca, the lively and beautiful beach-front city on the south coast of Cyprus. Larnaca boasts golden sand beaches, interesting history, and an excellent location for exploring the rest of Cyprus.
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LIMASSOL
Limassol is a city on the southern coast of Cyprus and capital of the district with the same name. Limassol is the second largest urban area in Cyprus after Nicosia, with an urban population of 183,658 and a metropolitan population of 239,842.
In 2014, Limassol was ranked by TripAdvisor as the 3rd up-and-coming destination in the world, in its Top 10 Traveler’s Choice Destinations on the Rise list.The city is also ranked 89th worldwide in Mercer’s Quality of Living Survey (2017).
In the 2020 ranking published by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network, Limassol was classified as a “Gamma −” global city.
There are so many amazing things to do in Limassol, the vibrant beach-front city in the heart of Cyprus.
This historical city combines its tourist-friendly coastline with a cosmopolitan cafe culture, and the ‘siga siga’, (meaning slowly-slowly), mentality of the locals.
Limassol is ideally located on the south coast of the island, and its central position makes it the perfect base for exploring all that Cyprus has to offer.
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PROTARAS
Protaras is a predominantly tourist resort which comes under the administrative jurisdiction of Paralimni Municipality in Cyprus. In ancient times, where Protaras is now located, stood the old city-state of Leukolla. The city possessed a small safe harbour where Demetrius Poliorketes sought refuge in the year 306 BC, lying in wait for Ptolemy, one of the successors of Alexander the Great. In the ensuing battle, Ptolemy was defeated and fled to Egypt, leaving Cyprus in the hands of Demetrius for a short time. Protaras is also referred to as “the land of windmills”, maintaining the nostalgic quality of the past.
Protaras has clear sky-blue waters and sandy beaches, the most well-known of which is Fig Tree Bay. Building on the success of Ayia Napa, located about 10 km (6 mi) southwest, it has expanded into a modern holiday resort of considerable size with tens of high capacity hotels, hotel apartments, villas, restaurants, pubs and associated facilities. Being quieter than Ayia Napa and having less of a club scene, it has a reputation of catering more for family and Cypriot tourism. Cape Greco is a 10-minute drive from the center of Protaras.
Protaras is a diving destination.Green Bay is the most popular dive site and has statues placed underwater for the thousands of first timers to enjoy while trying their scuba skills. The Blue Hole, the Chapel, the Decosta Bay, Malama bay. Protaras most famous dive site for Technical Diving and Commercial Diver training is the Cyclops bay located on the border with Ayia Napa.
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PAPHOS
Paphos is a coastal city in southwest Cyprus and the capital of Paphos District. In classical antiquity, two locations were called Paphos: Old Paphos, today known as Kouklia, and New Paphos.
The current city of Paphos lies on the Mediterranean coast, about 50 km (30 mi) west of Limassol (the biggest port on the island), both of which are connected by the A6 highway. Paphos International Airport is the country’s second-largest airport. The city has a subtropical–Mediterranean climate, with the mildest temperatures on the island.
In 1980, Paphos was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its ancient architecture, mosaics, and ancient religious importance. It was selected as a European Capital of Culture for 2017 along with Aarhus.
Looking for amazing things to do in Paphos, Cyprus?
While this semi-tropical island is famous for its beautiful clean beaches, warm azure seas, abundant sunshine, and fabulous Mediterranean cuisine, it’s much more than just a warm-weather holiday destination.
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